Summary

The signora makes her entrance at the party but is upstaged by the highest-ranking guest, the Countess de Courcy. The Countess is surprised by the lack of respect she receives from the signora but quickly makes friends with Mrs. Proudie. The easiest subject for them to discuss is how much they both dislike the signora. Mrs. Proudie hints that Dr. Stanhope has a chance to become the new dean and states that Mr. Slope is going to be fired because of his inappropriate relationship with the signora.

Eleanor works hard to avoid entering the dining room with Mr. Slope but ends up sitting next to him anyway. Mr. Arabin gives all his attention to the signora, which makes Eleanor jealous because she does not know that he is only taking to the signora about his feelings for Eleanor.